Communication Toolkit

This episode discussed the importance of play based therapy for young children. We are joined by Hillary Billings, an SLP from Grayson County, VA, as she discusses some of her favorite activities to target language development within the context of play. Check out these links for more information...

⁠Ideas for Using Critter Clinic⁠

⁠Boosting Speech and Language Through Play Based Learning

In this episode, we discuss using adapted books to target literacy. We share some of our favorite tips and tricks for adapting books and the importance of targeting literacy skills especially at the early childhood level. For more information check out some of our favorite sites for additional suggestions...

https://autismlittlelearners.com/adapted-books-for-special-education/

https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/modifying-books-students-multiple-disabilities/

10 Benefits of Using Adapted Books in the Special Education 

In this first episode of season 2, we introduce the topic of language and literacy and the integral role the SLP plays. Check out this article from ASHA for more on the roles and responsibilities with respect to reading and writing. https://www.asha.org/policy/ps2001-00104/

For a transcript of today's episode click here

In this episode, we wrap up our year long conversation around AAC by sharing our favorite takeaways and resources.

In this episode, we discuss transition strategies to ensure students have the essential communication supports needed to be successful from year to year. Here are some helpful resources to help teams get started...

AAC Community = AAC Users and Transitions

TIES Center = Preparing the AAC user for the Next Grade

PrAACtical AAC = 5 AACtionable Steps to Support the Transition Process

SLP Summer Fun = Adapting Games for Targeting Speech and Language Goals

In this episode we interview Whitney White, an SLP from Pulaski County VA Schools, as she reflects on supporting her AAC users this school year. She shares about lesson learned, her top tips for implementing and plans for the future. For more information on Assistiveware's Core Word Classroom visit the following link

https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/assistiveware-core-word-classroom

In this episode, we have a conversation with Denise Walker, an SLP from Pittsylvania County as she recounts her experiences from this year in terms of strategies that have worked and suggestions for moving forward with best practice in implementing the use of AAC devices.

https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/aac-implementation-framework-steps-to-learning/

Integrating AAC into the Classroom (ASHA Leader, 2004)

https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac

In this episode we continue our conversation with Chris Bugaj regarding the Specific Language Systems First Approach. He discusses the benefits of using this approach and shares implementation strategies.

Link to Chris' course = https://christopher-s-site-3450.thinkific.com/courses/specificlanguagefirst

Talking with Tech Podcast = https://www.talkingwithtech.org/about

SLFSA episode = https://www.talkingwithtech.org/blog/the-specific-language-system-first-approach-to-aac

In this episode, we share part 1 of our discussion with Chris Bugaj, author, podcast host, and more, on the Specific Language Systems First Approach. To begin this conversation, Chris explains this approach and discusses the benefits that he has seen when working with teams that have utilized this approach to address communication needs. Please check out the following links for more information...

SLSFA information -  https://www.talkingwithtech.org/blog/the-specific-language-system-first-approach-to-aac

Link to the  course -  https://christopher-s-site-3450.thinkific.com/courses/specificlanguagefirst

Podcast - https://www.talkingwithtech.org/about

In this episode we chat with Caroline Gaddy from Tobii Dynavox about her experiences both as a gestalt language learner herself and in serving students who are GLPs. She shares tips for practitioners to better identify and support these types of language learners.

The articles mentioned are in the SIG 1 Perspectives December Issue. The forum Caroline co-edited with Amy Donaldson is Considerations for Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:https://pubs.asha.org/toc/persp/8/6 (scroll down a touch to get to the forum articles).

This is the open access GLP article: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00098

This is the article co authored by Caroline and Hillary: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00106

Autistic Communication: A Survey of School-Based Professionals: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00107